Abies balsamea / Species Page / Plant Atlas

Characteristics

Family

Pinaceae

Genus

Abies

Species

Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.

Common Name

balsam fir

Habitat

Cool northern forests, swamps, and rich fens. A northern tree most common in high elevation sites where it can becomes a dominant tree. At the upper edges of the sub-alpine it forms krummholz. In lower elevation sites it is mostly restricted to poor or thin soils, or wetlands. Fens and rich swamps in central and western New York that have disjunct small patches of A. balsamea are known locally as fir-tree swamps.

Growth Habit

Tree

Duration

Perennial

Category

Vascular

C Value

Plant Notes

This tree is a popular choice for Christmas trees.

Taxonomic Notes

Status

Native FAC (NWPL) FAC (NWPL EMP) FAC (NWPL NCNE) S5 (State Rank) G5 (Global Rank)